AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's University Volleyball head coach Mary DeJute won her debut on the hilltop in convincing fashion with a 3-0 sweep of Southwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday night at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
KATIE MARTIN and MIKAYLA GRILL led the Hilltopper attack with nine kills each as Martin hit .320 and added eight digs. Grill added 12 digs of her own and JACLYN BILLIE dished out 17 assists with two service aces.
 
I expected the girls to play very hard and have relentless pursuit. I didn't expect anything different than that," said coach DeJute after the victory. "I was pleased over all with the effort. I think they're really starting to get to know who's doing what in their own positions. I am just really proud of them."
 
In set one SWOSU took an early 10-6 lead over St. Edward's, but two aces from Billie and back-to-back kills from MADELYN PASHIBIN fueled an 8-1 run, giving the Hilltoppers a 14-11 lead. DeJute and her ladies would not look back, taking the opening game 25-14.
 
St. Edward's carried its momentum into set two as Martin served the home team to a 6-0 lead that would not be relinquished. Despite a six-point run from the Bulldogs to pull within one, the Hilltoppers would go on to win 25-19, taking a two-set lead into the break.
 
Southwestern Oklahoma State would battle hard in set three to avoid the sweep, racing out to an early 7-2 lead. However St. Edward's rallied behind the serve of TABITHA ELDER to take the lead, 11-10, and a trio of kills from Martin, Pashibin, and HANNAH RAUCH would seal the win.
 
As a team the Hilltoppers outhit the Bulldogs .216-.073 and combined for three service aces and six blocks.
 
DeJute and the Hilltoppers continue their opening weekend on Friday in the Hilltopper Classic with matches at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. against Southern Nazarene and Tiffin.
 
Fans can follow the action with live video and stats at  www.GoHilltoppers.com and also get updates on Twitter at @SEUVBall.